Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method of processing media output events from a plurality of media content receivers within a media distribution system, each of said media output events having a corresponding duration, the method comprising: a. dividing media output events received from a plurality of media content receivers into a plurality of segments, such that media output events having similar properties are placed into the same segment; b. for each said segment, calculating a long duration threshold based on the distribution of the durations of the media output events within that segment; c. sending the calculated long duration thresholds to at least one media content receiver; and d. at the at least one media content receiver that receives the calculated long duration thresholds, determining the duration and segment of a current media output event, comparing the duration of the current media output event with a corresponding one of the received, calculated long duration thresholds, and modifying the current media output event according to the comparison, wherein the corresponding one of the received, calculated long duration thresholds is based on media output events from media content receivers other than the at least one media content receiver, wherein the at least one media content receiver that receives the long duration thresholds performs local media insertion within the current media output event, and the at least one receiver inhibits the local media insertion if the duration of the current media output event exceeds the corresponding long duration threshold.
This invention relates to media distribution systems, specifically optimizing media output events across multiple content receivers. The problem addressed is ensuring consistent media insertion (e.g., ads, content overlays) while accounting for varying event durations across different receivers. The method processes media output events from multiple receivers, each with a duration, by segmenting them into groups with similar properties. For each segment, a long duration threshold is calculated based on the distribution of event durations within that group. These thresholds are then sent to one or more receivers. Upon receiving a new media output event, a receiver determines its duration and segment, compares it to the corresponding threshold, and modifies the event if needed. If the event duration exceeds the threshold, local media insertion (e.g., ads) is inhibited. This ensures uniformity in media handling across the system by leveraging aggregated data from other receivers. The approach dynamically adjusts thresholds per segment, improving efficiency and consistency in media distribution.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the output events each have a corresponding end time, the method including, for output events within a segment having a duration above the corresponding long duration threshold, modifying the corresponding end times so that the corresponding durations fall at or below the corresponding long duration threshold.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the end times are modified according to the end times of other output events within the same segment having durations below the threshold duration.
This invention relates to event processing systems, specifically methods for adjusting event timelines to improve synchronization and coherence in segmented data streams. The problem addressed is the misalignment of event durations within predefined segments, which can disrupt analysis or playback when events have varying lengths that fall below a specified threshold. The method involves analyzing a sequence of output events within a segment, where each event has an associated start time and end time. If an event's duration is below a threshold duration, its end time is adjusted based on the end times of other events in the same segment that also have durations below the threshold. This adjustment ensures that shorter events are synchronized with others in the segment, preventing gaps or overlaps that could affect downstream processing or user experience. The adjustment process may involve aligning the end times of qualifying events to a common reference point, such as the latest end time among the events in the segment or an average end time. This method is particularly useful in applications like multimedia synchronization, log analysis, or real-time data streaming, where consistent event timing is critical. By dynamically modifying end times, the system maintains coherence without altering the original start times or the content of the events themselves.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the modified end times are selected randomly or pseudo-randomly according to the distribution of the durations of the other output events having durations below the long duration threshold.
This invention relates to a method for adjusting event durations in a system where events are processed or analyzed based on their timing characteristics. The problem addressed is the need to modify event end times in a way that preserves the statistical properties of the original event durations while introducing controlled variability. The method involves selecting modified end times for events, particularly those with durations below a specified long duration threshold, using random or pseudo-random selection processes. The selection is based on the distribution of durations of other events in the dataset that also fall below the long duration threshold. This ensures that the modified event durations maintain a similar statistical distribution to the original events, avoiding artificial clustering or skewing of data. The approach is useful in applications such as event scheduling, data processing, or simulation where maintaining natural variability in event timing is important. The method may be applied in systems where events are dynamically adjusted to optimize performance, reduce conflicts, or improve resource allocation while preserving the inherent patterns of the original event data.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the properties of the output events include one or more of: whether the output events are live or playback, time and/or day of output, receiver type, channel type and genre.
This invention relates to a system for analyzing and categorizing output events in a media distribution network, addressing the challenge of efficiently managing and tracking diverse media content across different distribution channels. The method involves processing output events to extract and analyze their properties, enabling better content management, audience targeting, and operational efficiency. The system captures output events from media sources and evaluates their characteristics, including whether the content is live or pre-recorded, the specific time and day of output, the type of receiver (e.g., set-top box, streaming device), the channel type (e.g., broadcast, cable, satellite), and the genre of the content. By categorizing these events based on these properties, the system allows for improved content scheduling, audience analytics, and compliance monitoring. The method ensures that media providers can dynamically adjust distribution strategies based on real-time data, optimizing viewer engagement and resource allocation. This approach enhances the ability to track and analyze media content across multiple platforms, providing insights into viewer preferences and distribution trends. The system supports both live and on-demand content, making it adaptable to various media delivery models. By integrating these properties into a unified framework, the invention facilitates more precise content management and targeted advertising, ultimately improving the efficiency of media distribution networks.
6. The method of claim 2 , wherein for output events ended by the corresponding receiver automatically terminating output, the end times are modified so as that the corresponding durations fall at or below the corresponding long duration threshold.
This invention relates to event processing systems, specifically methods for adjusting event durations to meet predefined thresholds. The problem addressed is ensuring that automatically terminated output events conform to specified duration limits, which is critical for applications requiring precise event timing, such as real-time monitoring or resource allocation. The method modifies the end times of output events that are terminated by the corresponding receiver, ensuring their durations do not exceed a predefined long duration threshold. This adjustment is necessary when the receiver terminates the event, as the original duration may otherwise violate system constraints. The adjustment process involves recalculating the end time to cap the duration at or below the threshold, maintaining system compliance without manual intervention. The method operates within a broader system where events are generated, processed, and terminated by receivers. The receivers may terminate events based on internal logic or external triggers, and the system must dynamically adjust event durations to prevent violations of the long duration threshold. This ensures consistent event handling and avoids disruptions in dependent processes. The invention is particularly useful in environments where event durations must adhere to strict limits, such as financial transactions, industrial automation, or network management, where exceeding thresholds could lead to errors or inefficiencies. By automatically adjusting durations, the method enhances system reliability and performance.
7. The method of claim 1 including, prior to identifying the long duration threshold for each segment, removing or cancelling output events having a short duration not corresponding to normal viewing.
This invention relates to video processing, specifically to methods for analyzing viewer engagement with video content by filtering out short-duration events that do not represent normal viewing behavior. The problem addressed is the presence of noise in viewer engagement data, where brief interactions (e.g., accidental clicks, quick skips, or technical glitches) distort metrics used to assess content performance. The solution involves preprocessing the data to remove or cancel these short-duration events before determining engagement thresholds for longer segments of the video. The method first processes raw viewer interaction data, which may include events like play, pause, or skip actions. It identifies and filters out events with durations below a predefined short-duration threshold, which are deemed irrelevant to genuine viewing behavior. After filtering, the remaining events are analyzed to establish a long-duration threshold for each segment of the video, which helps distinguish meaningful engagement from other interactions. This threshold is then used to assess viewer engagement more accurately, improving the reliability of analytics for content creators and platforms. The invention ensures that engagement metrics reflect actual viewer behavior by eliminating transient or accidental interactions, leading to more precise insights into content performance. This approach is particularly useful for platforms that rely on viewer engagement data to optimize content delivery, advertising, or user experience.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the receivers that receives the long duration thresholds prompts the user to confirm that the current media output event is being watched, if the duration of the current media output event exceeds the corresponding long duration threshold.
A system and method for monitoring media consumption involves tracking the duration of media output events, such as television shows or movies, to determine user engagement. The system compares the duration of a media output event against predefined thresholds to assess whether the user is actively watching. If the duration exceeds a long duration threshold, at least one receiver prompts the user to confirm whether they are still watching the media. This confirmation step helps distinguish between active viewing and passive or unattended playback. The system may also use additional criteria, such as user interactions or device activity, to refine the assessment. By verifying prolonged media events, the system improves accuracy in tracking genuine user engagement, which can be used for analytics, advertising, or content recommendations. The method ensures that media consumption data reflects actual viewing behavior rather than background or unattended playback.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the receivers that receives the long duration thresholds goes into standby mode if the duration of the current media output event exceeds the corresponding long duration threshold.
A system and method for managing media output events in a receiver device, particularly for optimizing power consumption during extended media playback. The technology addresses the problem of unnecessary power usage in media receivers when media events, such as audio or video playback, continue for prolonged periods without user interaction. The solution involves dynamically adjusting the receiver's operational state based on predefined duration thresholds to conserve energy. The method includes monitoring the duration of a current media output event, such as a song, video, or broadcast, and comparing it to a long duration threshold. If the event exceeds this threshold, the receiver transitions to a low-power standby mode to reduce energy consumption while maintaining the ability to resume playback when needed. The thresholds may be predefined or dynamically adjusted based on usage patterns or user preferences. The system may also include multiple receivers, each with its own threshold, allowing for individualized power management across devices. The standby mode may involve reducing processing power, dimming displays, or pausing non-essential functions while keeping the media playback active or easily resumable. This approach ensures efficient power usage without disrupting the user experience.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the receivers modifies the received long duration thresholds according to local data.
A system and method for adjusting long duration thresholds in a wireless communication network to improve signal detection and interference management. The technology addresses the problem of fixed threshold settings that fail to adapt to varying environmental conditions, leading to suboptimal performance in detecting long-duration signals or managing interference. The method involves dynamically modifying long duration thresholds at one or more receivers based on local data, such as signal strength, noise levels, or environmental factors. This allows the system to adapt to changing conditions, improving detection accuracy and reducing false positives or missed detections. The receivers may adjust thresholds independently or in coordination with other network components to optimize overall network performance. The local data used for adjustment may include historical signal data, real-time measurements, or predefined environmental parameters. By dynamically adjusting thresholds, the system enhances reliability and efficiency in signal processing and interference management.
11. A non-transitory computer program product comprising program code arranged to perform the method of claim 1 when executed on a suitable configured processor or processors.
A non-transitory computer program product stores program code that, when executed by a processor, performs a method for optimizing data processing in a distributed computing environment. The method involves receiving a data processing task from a client device, where the task includes input data and processing parameters. The system analyzes the task to determine optimal processing resources, such as available computing nodes, memory allocation, and network bandwidth, to minimize latency and maximize efficiency. The task is then distributed across multiple computing nodes based on the analysis, with each node executing a portion of the task in parallel. The system monitors the execution in real-time, dynamically adjusting resource allocation to handle workload imbalances or failures. Once processing is complete, the results are aggregated and returned to the client device. The program code also includes error handling mechanisms to ensure data integrity and fault tolerance. This approach improves scalability and performance in distributed computing systems by dynamically optimizing resource usage and task distribution.
12. A media distribution system, comprising: a. one or more media sources for providing media content to a plurality of receivers; b. said plurality of receivers, each arranged to record media output events relating to media output at the respective receiver; and c. an output event processor arranged to: i. receive the media output events from the plurality of receivers; ii. divide the media output events into a plurality of segments, such that media output events having similar properties are placed into the same segment; iii. for each said segment, calculate a long duration threshold based on the distribution of the durations of the media output events within that segment; and iv. send the calculated long duration thresholds to at least one of the receivers, wherein the at least one of the receivers is arranged to: determine the duration and segment of a current media output event, compare the duration of the current media output event with a corresponding one of the received, calculated long duration thresholds, and modify the current media output event according to the comparison; wherein the corresponding one of the received, calculated long duration thresholds is based on media output events from media content receivers other than the at least one media content receiver, wherein the at least one media content receiver that receives the long duration thresholds performs local media insertion within the current media output event, and the at least one receiver inhibits the local media insertion if the duration of the current media output event exceeds the corresponding long duration threshold.
A media distribution system monitors and regulates media output across multiple receivers to optimize content delivery and insertion. The system includes media sources providing content to numerous receivers, each recording media output events such as playback, pauses, or skips. An output event processor collects these events, categorizes them into segments based on similar properties (e.g., content type or user behavior), and calculates a long duration threshold for each segment. This threshold is derived from the distribution of event durations within the segment, representing typical or acceptable playback lengths. The processor sends these thresholds to receivers, which use them to evaluate ongoing media output events. If an event's duration exceeds the threshold, the receiver modifies it—such as truncating playback or adjusting insertion points for local media (e.g., ads). The thresholds are based on aggregated data from other receivers, ensuring consistency across the network. This system prevents excessive local media insertion, improving content flow and user experience by dynamically adapting to observed viewing patterns.
Unknown
December 29, 2020
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